Over the years, I have noticed that there are two kinds of thinking: Abundance Thinking and Scarcity Thinking. One leads to success, joy and fulfillment, while the other leads to failure, fear and discontent.

If you look behind the outcomes—in any area of life—you will see specific actions that caused them. But if you look beyond the actions, you will see the thoughts that gave birth to them.

So, which type of thinker are you? Maybe it’s time to do some honest self-evaluation. Better yet, ask those closest to you.

First, consider the eight characteristics of abundance thinkers.

They believe there is always more where that came from.

They are happy to share their knowledge, contacts, and compassion with others.

They default to trust and build rapport easily.

They welcome competition, believing it makes the pie bigger and them better.

They ask themselves, How can I give more than is expected?

They are optimistic about the future, believing the best is yet to come.

They think big, embracing risk.

They are thankful and confident.

Now, consider the eight characteristics of scarcity thinkers.

They believe there will never be enough.

They are stingy with their knowledge, contacts, and compassion.

They default to suspicion and find it difficult to build rapport.

They resent competition, believing it makes the pie smaller and them weaker.

They ask themselves, How can I get by with less than is expected?

They are pessimistic about the future, believing that tough times are ahead.

They think small, avoiding risk.

They are entitled and fearful.

So if being an abundance thinker is that important, how can you develop this ability.

Cultivate awareness

Practice gratitude

Be generous

If you change your thinking, you will change your actions. And if you change your actions, you will change your outcomes. And if you change your outcomes, you will change your life. It is that simple.